4 Tips to Raise the Quality of Your Community Theatre Production
Missoula Community Theatre (Photo © A2 Photography)
Michelle Jace
I have seen incredible theatre at an amateur level and if you are a patron of local arts, you probably have, too.
To have a great show you’ll obviously need great actors, but so many other components go into a quality level production. Regardless of your budget, talent, script, or venue, paying attention to these details will put a crisp and classy touch to your show.
Short and Swift Scene Changes
Nothing stops the momentum and thrill of a performance like a long and clunky set change. It is such a cringe moment to watch talented artists fumble around in the dark between well-crafted scenes. As an audience member, I often feel awkward or concerned for the well being of the actors and the show during fumbling transitions which totally throws off my suspension of disbelief.
Scene changes should be rehearsed just like choreography or blocking. Have a rehearsal before tech week where you do nothing but run set changes. Include props and elaborate costume pieces as well. Think of it as a cue-to-cue but for set pieces and props.
Efficient scene changes will bring a professional vibe to your production. It is one of those things audiences won’t notice, but it will up their enjoyment level and let the story of your show be told seamlessly.
Quick and Simple Bows
Thank your audience for coming quickly and kindly. Unless your show has Waterloo or I’m a Believer at the end, your bows don’t need to be 10 minutes. Actors should be able to hold hands and bow in unison then cleanly thank the crew. You just put on an amazing show! Don’t let the last thing your audience see be sloppy.
Ways to clean up your bows:
Do not leave big gaps between each cast member’s bow. As soon as a performer bows the next one in line should be right behind them ready to go. This doesn’t mean you need to rush your actual bow, but it does mean to be quick about coming and going.
Choreograph your bows to music if your cast is having trouble keeping a consistent tempo. A song during bows will make the process easier by offering an additional memorization tool.
If you’re working with kids try promoting some of the older ones to line leader. The group will look to the leader for when to bow and where to go.
Please No Pre Show Speeches
I don’t like pre-show director speeches. Everything the audience needs to know is already in the script, on their ticket, or printed in the program. The meeting could have been an email.
If you absolutely must speak before a performance, keep it short and to the point.
Sometimes special performances require an introduction. A big fundraiser, dedication, or performance for a special audience are some examples. If you must speak before a show, please keep it short and to the point. If the audience is in their seat and actors are ready, let the show go on. I’d rather listen to preshow music than a speech.
Give Your Ensemble A Purpose
Maybe they need some extra choreography or props, but please don’t make your ensemble just stand there and have to “peas and carrots” for long periods of time. Ensemble members should be just as alive and involved as the actors saying lines or singing a solo. If your ensemble members are having a hard time figuring out how they belong in a scene, consider giving them a short character analysis worksheet.
As much as the script allows, let your ensemble members make up character names, backstories, and details.